Motivation gets you started.  HABIT keeps you going.

I was scrolling down my FB feed and came across a young lady who gave herself a 100 day gym challenge. She suffered from low self-esteem and just really needed something to make her feel better about herself. She did a fantastic job and persevered during the times when she really just didn't want to go to the gym.

I say all that for this reason. I have decided to give myself a 160 challenge. No. I do not suffer from low self-esteem, however I am looking a bit fluffier than I would prefer (lol). Additionally, I do enjoy challenging myself and setting goals.

Over the next 159 days ( I started 1/24/17 and should end 7/2/17) I have to abide by the following:

1. Go to the gym every day. Yes...even when it snows and I want to hibernate like a little bear.

2. I must do a minimum of 30 minutes of cardio and weights for one body part (arms, legs. ect..).

3. Because I tend to forget to eat, I have to eat at least twice a day. (this may be harder than going to the gym....ugh the torture...lol)

***I am not going to say that I am going to severely limit my food and intake because as soon as I say I can't have it...I WANT ONLY IT. I am very good at limiting myself, but I suck at getting food in my body regularly***

4. I have to check in once every 10 days to update on progress.

I am sure I will come up with more conditions for myself as I go along, but for now these are MY basics. If anyone would like to join me, I strongly encourage you to do so.

It is believed that it takes 21 days to make/break a habit. Now, this may not be for you, but challenge yourself to either make or break a habit over the next 21 days and follow me through my journey over the next 159 days.

Cherry Pie Day - February 20th

As some of you may or may not know, I have an odd fascination for the bizarre holidays that are scattered throughout the year.  Today happens to be Cherry Pie day.  Now personally, I hate cherry pie (pesky texture issues) but I am not overly fond of any fruit pies.  They just tend to be too sweet.  No, I can't believe I said that either, but that tends to be one of my issues.  Yes, I am sure you can make them more tart and blah, blah, blah, but I guess I haven't cared enough to do that yet.

OK....enough of my ramblings.  So, to commemorate Cherry Pie day, I have listed a few little dessert ideas that just may make your mouth water.  And, if you needed a reason for a treat...just tell the pie patrol that you are obligated to celebrate this holiday.  Yeah...that's it.

These are cherry pie cookies, which I might have to give a try as it is just nice little bites and the cookie can be considerably less sweet.  The recipe can be found here.  If any of you try it, please leave me a comment to let me know how it turned out.  

Here is another option to the typical cherry pie.....minis.  I think there is less guilt and more fun associated with minis than with a slice.  Also, with minis, you can customize to your guests.  I am a spoiler/pleaser *sometimes*, so I do try to accommodate those that I love and care about.  Besides, one of the best parts of food is the presentation.  It should touch several of your senses to enhance your experience.

Well whether you choose the traditional, mini, on a stick, or cookie, I hope that you enjoy Cherry Pie day.

Hoodie Hooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today is Hoodie Hoo day, created by the unfortunate people in the northern hemisphere.  In an effort to usher out the winter blahs and invite in the spring, people would go out on this day at noon, raise their hands over their heads and chant

I know what I will be doing at noon today.  If you are in a winter nightmareland like myself, please join me at noon.

  

My new obsession

As you can probably see, cocoons are my new obsession.  I play around with them and make them until I think I have perfected it to where I want it to be.   My only nephew and his girlfriend are expecting and I will be a great aunt for the second time.  I have already made  a matching skull cap for dad, and the son will have this matching cocoon and hat.  I love my fellas and I can't wait for Elijah (who will be called Max because the crazy great aunt likes that name better) to arrive.  

Creativity Corner - Baby cocoon w/matching hat

Hello everyone.  It has been a while since I have been on here, but along the way I have picked up a new obsession - LOOM KNITTING.

As you can see in the picture, this is the latest project that I have completed.  Right now, seems like everyone is preggers and so I have begun to make these cute little baby cocoons w/matching hats.  I have been playing with adult hats, mittens (fingerless and full), as well as headbands and tons of other crap.

I will eventually learn how to write out the pattern for anyone who wants it, but for now, I will continue on my learning curve.

Wicked Delicious: Simple, Easy Winter Weeknight Dinner: Crock-Pot Ho...

I came across this recipe and am very anxious to try it.  With my new work schedule, I have decided that the best way to make sure that I can get dinner on the table at a reasonable time is for it to cook while I am at work.

I will share other crock pot recipes with you as I find those that are interesting (to me) and that I intend to try.  If you have tried it or will try it, please let me know how it worked out for you.

Oh yeah, I am notorious for modifying recipes, so I will let you know what changes I make.

ENJOY!!!

Wicked Delicious: Simple, Easy Winter Weeknight Dinner: Crock-Pot Ho...: If you are looking for something simple, easy, and scrumptious to make for dinner, this is it. These chicken and potatoes each only have 5 ...

Hello and Happy to be back.  It has been a while.  I have had a lot going on, but it feels good to be sitting here typing right now.  The month of September is been a crazy one for me.  I moved, started a new job, lost a little weight, had some personal things crop up, but all in all, IT HAS BEEN A FABULOUS month for me.  

I know the last time I was here, it was my birthday and I said I was going to set a new goal for myself.  Well here we go.  My next goal is to drop 18 - 20 pounds by Thanksgiving.  Yeah I know I am choosing the most insane time of year to set these goals, but I am determined.  I figure I love me and I am worth it.  I never completely deny myself anything because the more I deny myself.the more I want it, so it is good to indulge oneself from time to time.  

I have been walking quite a bit lately (mostly out of necessity), and I am sure that will contribute to the process.   Now I will say that my eating habits or should I say "lack of eating" habits are still horrible.  For example.  I didn't eat breakfast, lunch and I am reasonably sure most people wouldn't consider what I ate when I got home from work, dinner.  I just had a few diced potatoes that my daughter baked and a small piece of polish sausage.  For those of you who are already thinking...."omg, you can't starve yourself to lose weight.  it is unhealthy, blah, blah, blickety blah."  I know this people.  I don't eat like that to lose weight.  In reality it is counter productive to my weight loss as my body spends most of it's time in starvation mode.  I have always eaten like that (even when I was skinny).  It just doesn't occur to me to eat.  I don't really get hunger pains, so I run, and go, and do, and at some point in time during the day I realize that I have not eaten.  YES!!! This is on my list of things to fix, but I don't have high hopes for this one though.  I have been eating like this for 43 years.  LOL....old dog .....new trick....good luck.  

Anyway, I will periodically check in to let you know how I am progressing, any new recipes I find/try/create, any exercise I am trying (prefer Tai Chi, yoga, ect) .   Oh yeah and I have been trying to get more rest.  I really think that is making a HUGE difference.

I am always open to comments, positive input, and such.

Birthday challenge results

Happy birthday to me. I am happy to say that I not only met but exceeded my goal. When I began the challenge I was 309. Today I am 293.5. WOOHOO GO ME!!!

I am happy to say that I am motivated to continue. My ultimate goal is to get to between 180-200 pounds. I will set a new goal myself on Monday and I hope you all will continue to support and urge me on.

HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYONE!!!!!!

Just Because Day

Today is Just Because day.  I have always been a big fan of "just because" when it is done with kindness in your heart.  I have often said to my significant other, "I would rather have one carnation on an odd day just because you were thinking about me and loved me, than a dozen roses on Valentines Day because you felt like you had to."  I know there are some people out there who are thinking ...hell no, give me the roses.  However, I have an obscene appreciation for the simplicities of life.  Don't get me wrong, I love the extravagant things and appreciate them when they are gifted, but the things that tend to mean the most are the things done "just because." 

I like to cook breakfast for my other half and surprise him at work just because it would make him smile.

I like to surprise my girls with random nail polish and other cosmetic finds, just because they get so excited and can make their nails look like a box of crayons.

I like to make my mother miscellaneous just because it always makes her smile and lets her know how much she is appreciated.

I bake goodies and give them away just because it may make someones day.  

Life is about the simplicities and so this is definitely one of my favorite days.

  What did you do today...Just because?

$100

Have you ever considered what you would do if you were given an extra $100?  What would you do with that money?  No, it isn't a lot of money, but would you do a mini splurge and if so what would that splurge be?  Would you instinctively save it?  

Because I always spend any and every extra dime I have on my children, I would try very hard to be selfish with this extra and unexpected money. I have been wanting and needing some spa time.  I would have the mani/pedi and a nice massage.  Depending on where I got these things, I think I could squeeze in a facial.  

I know it seems frivolous, but for me, they are well deserved.  Any time an expense needs to be cut out, it is from me.  NEVER MY CHILDREN!!!  The funny thing is, I would probably still try to go get them a nail polish or something.


I look forward to hearing what you would do......